Madaleine Sorkin’s Quest to Climb The Honeymoon Is Over (5.13c) on Long’s Peak

The Diamond on Long’s Peak in Colorado stands as one of the greatest testing grounds for difficult, alpine rock climbing.

And for Madaleine Sorkin, a Colorado-based climber drawn toward challenging and adventurous climbs, the infamous route The Honeymoon Is Over (5.13c)—one of the hardest alpine climbs in all of North America—was an obvious goal.

Not only does this route involve multiple 5.13 pitches situated at over 13,000 feet, but attempting it alone demands a four-hour hike and good fortune in avoiding often stormy and unpredictable weather conditions.

It’s not an easy process, to say the least.

I chose The Diamond goal because there is a love of the process … and because it terrifies me.

This week’s Friday Flick Pick follows Madaleine on her quest to achieve this tremendous project.